shadragon wrote;
I am trying to organize a trip for a small group (probably 8-12) this June. We wanted to get together somewhere in New England and spend a week or so diving together. Problem is we don't have a lot of folks in the area to advise us on the opportunities there.
We want to explore a diverse series of dive sites. "Reefs and Wrecks" as a friend would say. We are rec divers for the most part so nothing too extreme. Something we can do comfortably on a single tank.
Any good shore dive opportunities?
Can anyone recommend a boat charter outfit?
What would you suggest for accommodation? Would be nice if we could stay together or at least gather as a group.
I can echo the others about the great diving around Cape Ann, MA. Your group would find it has a good variety of interesting shore dive sites and good local charters for boat dives, all within a small area, probably less than 7 miles across.
Cape Ann Divers runs a good shop and has good charters. One of their boats is a 10 or 12-pack, I think, so your group might get the whole boat. Their other boat is bigger.
Likewise, Fran Marcaeu (?sp) runs his Daybreaker charter out of Gloucester. I've dived from his boat and it's super! I couldn't find his website, but here's a number: 508-873-8339.
From the Cape Ann Divers' webpage, here are some helpful links describing the dive sites:
Cape Ann Divers webpage describing various shore dive sites:
http://www.capeanndivers.com/findadivesite.htm
Cape Ann Divers webpage for charter boat dive sites:
http://www.capeanndivers.com/scubacharters.htm
As to lodging, the following motels would probably meet your needs nicely.
Captain's Bounty Motor Inn:
http://www.captainsbountymotorinn.com/
My buddy has stayed at the Captain's Bounty, which is literally "right on the water" at Front Beach in Rockport. Front Beach is an easy, enjoyable dive and one of my favorites. In June, you'll see plenty of fish and be able to spear flounder, if you like.
Less than half a mile away is Back Beach, another very popular easy dive site, with ample easy parking, except on the weekends, when dozens of divers will be taking their open water classes. Pays to arrive before 7am on those days.
I haven't stayed at the Captain's Bounty myself, but I've been in it and it's nice. Parking is on it's own property, so it's convenient.
Another possibility that might be good:
Cape Ann Motor Inn:
http://www.capeannmotorinn.com/
Again, I haven't stayed at the Cape Ann Motor Inn, but I've been in it and talked with the owners and they would probably be very accomodating to your group.
It's on Long Beach, which might provide some non-diving diversion. Decent dive sites are about a mile or two away.
Parking at the Cape Ann Motor Inn is ample and easy, a few feet from your door.
You'll love Cape Ann, I think.
I live 125 miles from Cape Ann, but enjoy it enough to dive there quite often, especially in summer.
My wife and I even spent a week's vacation there in June of the past two years. I get to do plenty of diving and then there's still plenty for us to do together in the historic town.
I highly recommend it. Feel free to PM me, if you want more info.
Dave C
